For several years now, hunters have been required to fill out daily hunting permits if hunting on the property. Historically, this was accomplished though the use of paper permits that could be picked up at designated areas, free of charge, at any of the "iron rangers".

This year KDWPT will implement a new daily permit system in the form of iSportsman at many properties across the state. iSportsman is an electronic registration/ data collection tool that will make data collection much easier for staff and allow for real time data analysis and stats throughout the season. What does this mean for hunters? Initially, users will need to register with their personal information to set up an account in the iSportsman program. Once this is completed, the system will allow hunter to call in from any phone or log in from any PC or smart phone and "check-in" to hunt the property for the day. Once the hunt is over, hunter will call back in and report harvest, etc., similar to returning paper daily permits upon the completion of their hunt. For this hunting season, the daily paper permit system will still be in place until hunters have become aware of the iSportsman process. The area will then go strictly to the electronic system in May, 2015.

The system is still under construction, but will go live prior to September 1. HUNTERS NEED TO ACCESS THE SITE NOW TO REGISTER. Go to https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/ to register, then scroll down the left sided of the page to blue "register" button and then provide the required information.

Once registered, hunters will be able to call or log onto the system September 1 and get their hunting permit for dove opener. Hunters will also be able to visit the Jamestown page https://kdwpt.isportsman.net/Locations/Jamestown.aspx to get the latest on waterfowl numbers, water levels and any other news. More detailed log-in information will be posted on the Jamestown web page and waterfowl reports as we approach Dove and Teal seasons.

Jamestown Wildlife Area is a collection of historical wetlands and associated uplands that have been under state management since 1932. Jamestown's two larger marshes were one of the twelve wetlands sold to provide funding for Emporia State Teachers College. Historically a "salty”, shallow, marshy area, in dry seasons salt was found where the water had been and when there was water an abundance of wildlife was found. The areas marshes attracted Native Americans, early settlers and were important to migrating herds of bison, flocks of waterfowl and other wildlife. Dams were constructed on the lower ends of both large marshes in the early 1900’s to provide a more reliable water supply for recreation.

Description:

Of the 4,729 acres of public hunting now available on the area, over 1,900 acres are wetlands. The marshes are very shallow and have accumulated silt from the Marsh Creek watershed. As a result, the Department is embarking on a multiple year renovation for the areas wetlands beginning with Gun Club. Plans include new wetlands, new water control structures and renovation of existing wetlands by subdividing into units so water and vegetation can be managed more effectively. During renovation construction activities will impact and change uses of the area in the process of reaching the renovation goals. The goal of the renovation is to provide optimum wildlife habitat, improved user opportunities and play an important role in the overall Lower Republican River watershed management and life span of the marshes.

This area is located along a major migration route for the Central Flyway. The first waterfowl and shorebirds migrate through the area in late August. An 800-acre refuge is located at the north end of Gamekeeper Marsh. The refuge is closed to all activity from Oct. 1 through Mar. 1 except for the SPECIAL HUNTS conducted during hunting seasons. The refuge gives migratory birds a resting place and increases hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities on the area.

There are varieties of other wildlife habitats on the area. Upland birds and small game species use weeds, crop fields, grasses and shrubs, while big game prefers the timbered areas. The area offers excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. Marsh Creek, Gamekeeper Dam, and Muskrat Landing are shallow boat landings for hunter access to waterfowl areas.

The limited public lands in Kansas require intensive wildlife management and some special restrictions. This area receives heavy hunting pressure. Wildlife population and hunter use surveys are conducted to evaluate management and the effects of heavy pressure on the area.

Special Regulations:

Non-toxic shot required for all shotgun hunting.

Special hunts and Refuge areas are in effect Oct-1 - Jan 31.

Trapping is by permit only. The permit may be obtained from the Lovewell Area Office.